Pro audio manufacturer Black Lion Audio has announced its latest innovation, the PBR 8-500, an eight-slot 500-series rack that combines a robust power supply with a fully integrated patchbay. Available for pre-order starting October 31, 2024, the PBR 8-500 builds upon the company’s original PBR-8 design and introduces new features aimed at enhancing flexibility for both studio and mobile setups.
Integrated Patchbay for Flexible Routing
The standout feature of the PBR 8-500 is its front-panel TT/Bantam patchbay. This integrated patchbay provides fully balanced inputs and outputs for each of the eight slots, along with two built-in mults labeled MULT1 and MULT2. These mults allow users to split one output signal into two, enabling easy parallel processing or routing to additional equipment.
Users can audition signal chains, reroute signals, and connect to external racks without reconfiguring hardware. Adjacent modules can be stereo-linked with the press of a button on the rear panel, while internal jumpers support more advanced linking setups. These features are designed to streamline workflows and offer creative freedom.
The patchbay’s design caters to audio professionals seeking efficiency and versatility. Whether in a recording studio or a live sound environment, the ability to reroute and experiment with signal flow without re-racking modules can save significant time and effort. This feature alone positions the PBR 8-500 as a valuable tool for engineers and producers who frequently adjust their signal chains.
Power Supply Designed for Stability
Black Lion Audio’s extensive experience in audio equipment design is evident in the PBR 8-500’s power supply. Each slot benefits from isolated power regulation, reducing noise and crosstalk between modules. The rack provides 400 mA per rail per slot, with a total of 1.6A available per rail, ensuring it can handle power-intensive setups. This design prioritizes clean and stable power, catering to high-performance audio environments.
The power supply’s low-noise performance is particularly beneficial for critical recording and mixing scenarios, where signal integrity is paramount. With the PBR 8-500, users can confidently use high-current modules without worrying about compromising sound quality due to power inconsistencies.
Build Quality and Connectivity
The PBR 8-500 is housed in a rugged, black-anodized aluminum chassis optimized for heat dispersion. Gold-plated XLR, DB25, and TT connectors are used throughout, ensuring signal clarity and durability. The connectors include custom-tensioned TT jacks, a feature first introduced in Black Lion Audio’s standalone patchbays.
This robust build quality makes this unit suitable for both studio installations and road use. Its durability ensures reliable operation in demanding environments, while its sleek design adds a professional touch to any rack setup. The inclusion of gold-plated connectors further underscores its emphasis on maintaining high signal fidelity.
PBR 8-500 Pricing and Availability
The PBR 8-500 is priced at $899.00 USD (MAP) and €1,199.00 EUR (SSP, including VAT). Shipping is expected to begin in mid-November 2024 through Black Lion Audio’s global dealer network.
For additional details, visit the product’s webpage: Black Lion Audio PBR 8-500.
Conclusion
The PBR 8-500 offers an intriguing combination of advanced routing capabilities, stable power delivery, and durable construction. Its integration of a patchbay within a 500-series rack makes it a unique offering in the pro audio market, appealing to engineers and producers looking to optimize their workflows. Whether used in a studio or on the road, Black Lion Audio’s latest product aims to meet the needs of today’s audio professionals with efficiency and innovation.
